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Gender Equality 

Use Gender-neutral Language 

Gender-neutral language or gender-inclusive language is a language that avoids bias towards a particular sex or social gender. In English, this includes the use of nouns that are not gender-specific to refer to roles or professions, as well as avoidance of the pronouns “he, him and his” to refer to people of unknown or indeterminate gender.  

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We can all stand to be more inclusive, so toward that end, here are some gender-neutral terms we should all be using. 

1.

Use “They” Instead Of “He” Or “She” 

- to describe people who go by this pronoun or without talking about their gender. 

- We've all used the word "they" to describe multiple people in the third person, but it's actually been used to describe a single person since the 14th century.

3.

Use “Partner” or “Significant Other” 

"boyfriend" and "girlfriend" -->  difficult for people to talk about their partners if they don't identify themselves as men or women.

- Gender-neutral terms like partner and spouse can be substituted when discussing romantic relationships.

2.

Use “Mx” Instead Of “Mr.” “Ms.” “Mrs.” Or “Miss” 

- ‘Mx’ is used as a title for those who do not identify as being of a particular gender, or for people who simply don't want to be identified by gender.

- It’s pronounced like mix.

- Some non-binary people use this honorific, but others can too if they simply prefer not to specify their gender. 

4.

Use “Parent”, “Sibling”, And “Child” 

- It's customary to use phrases like "my sister," "my son," and "my mom" even when specifying the person's gender isn't really necessary.

- "Parent," "sibling," and "child" help us talk about our family members without specifying their gender. 

Don’t Gender-stereotype Anyone 

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No one should control or be controlled to others’ expectations. In fact, anyone can act, speak, dress, groom, and conduct themselves based on their liking, not based upon their assigned sex. 

A stereotype is a widely accepted judgment or bias about a person or group — even though it’s overly simplified and not always accurate. Stereotypes about gender can cause unequal and unfair treatment because of a person’s gender. This is called sexism. 

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For example, girls and women are generally expected to dress in typically feminine ways and be polite, accommodating, and nurturing. Men are generally expected to be strong, aggressive, and bold. 

Personality

Traits

Women are often expected to be accommodating and emotional, while men are usually expected to be self-confident and aggressive. 

Domestic Behaviour

Some people expect that women will take care of the children, cook, and clean the home, while men take care of finances, work on the car, and do the home repairs. 

Occupations / 

Careers

Some people are quick to assume that teachers and nurses are women, and that pilots, doctors, and engineers are men. 

Physical Appearance

Women are expected to be thin and graceful, to wear dresses and make-up. Men are expected to be tall and muscular, wear pants and have short hairstyles.

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